How NCTI Aligns with the National Institute of Corrections Eight Key Principles of Evidence Based Research
1) Address the Actuarial Risk/Needs of the Offender
When available, NCTI uses Risk/Needs data found to be essential for the critical program implementation principles of best practices in criminal justice. These principles include Risk, Need, and Responsivity. NCTI supports the use of actuarial assessment tools that focus on both dynamic and static factors, provide a criminogenic need profile, and have been validated on similar populations. Such information provides substantial opportunity to better address the individual offender.
2) Enhance Intrinsic Motivation
For lasting behavior change to happen, the offender must experience intrinsic motivation. NCTI curricula use a values discrepancy model with the assistance of motivational interviewing techniques to enhance the possibility of the intrinsic desire taking place.
3) Target Interventions
Risk Principle: NCTI curricula are primarily designed for medium and high-risk offenders.
Need Principle: NCTI curricula target specific interventions toward reducing criminogenic needs of offenders.
Responsivity Principle: NCTI curricula and certified facilitators are sensitive to temperament, learning style, level of motivation, gender, and culture of offenders.
Dosage: NCTI curricula are designed to be delivered in two-hour increments and encourage program designs of two 2-hour sessions per week.
Treatment Principle: NCTI curricula are written using a cognitive-behavioral approach and NCTI believes such treatment is an integral part of the behavior change process.
4) Use a Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Model
NCTI's curricula are written based on a cognitive-behavioral treatment model as well as a cognitive dissonance model. NCTI uses a number of techniques such as: role-play, personal awareness journaling, skill practice and behavior modeling. Within a dynamic group setting, offenders begin to make positive behavior changes by learning how to think and act in increasingly positive, pro-social ways.
5) Increase Postive Reinforcement
Creating a sustained behavior change process includes increasing the amount of positive reinforcements an offender receives. NCTI facilitators are instructed in techniques for encouraging offenders with positive reinforcement while maintaining clear and consistently applied rules.
6) Engage On-going Support in Natural Communities
Active engagement of offender pro-social support during the treatment process allows for greater offender success. NCTI curricula encourage and provide opportunities for the offender to practice positive behavior change within their own environment.
7) Measure Relevant Processes/Practices
NCTI routinely assesses the changes in offenders' cognitive and pro-social skill development. NCTI has pre and post tests available for each curriculum. This test data is collected and used to ensure facilitator and programmatic fidelity. Our curricula have been used in hundreds of locations throughout the United States, in programs that have successfully replicated reduced recidivism. NCTI's five day Facilitator Certification Training teaches facilitators to deliver a standardized model, regardless of location.
8) Provide Measurement Feedback
Facilitator evaluation information is used to provide feedback to referring agencies. Pre and post test data, currently in beta testing, will provide an additional method for obtaining feedback and monitoring ongoing processes. Feedback is provided to offenders, facilitators, and NCTI staff in a variety of ways in order to ensure increased accountability and program integrity.
